New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“In total, 120 critically endangered Kemp’s ridley turtles and 33 green turtles have been admitted to our hospital. Many of these turtles suffer from dehydration and pneumonia — all symptoms of cold-stunning. The number of cold-stunned sea turtles has risen over the last 20 years from about 50 in the year 2000 to 700 in 2021.
Once the turtles arrive at our hospital, our staff physically evaluates the condition of each individual turtle (checks heart rate and respiratory rate) + conducts bloodwork and X-rays, and a specialized care plan is put in place.
As the turtles continue to come in, we are working closely with partner organizations to help transport stabilized animals to make room for new arrivals. Volunteer pilots with Turtles Fly Too began transport flights on Sunday, and took 40 turtles to secondary rehab facilities.
The more critical turtles will remain in our care, and we will continue to accept new patients. Stay tuned for more updates as the cold stun season progresses!”-New England Aquarium.
All photos by New England Aquarium:
